Seven things we learned from the weekend’s Irish League action

It wasn’t just the Premiership that served up feast of unpredictable weekend action

It proved to be one of the most surprising and unpredictable weekends of the season.

Glentoran got the ball rolling on Friday night when they unleashed hell on Linfield, annihilating David Healy’s side with a first-half display full of intent.

That Linfield loss opened the door for Larne, but the Invermen failed to take advantage, managing just a goalless draw against a Ballymena United side who have struggled for clean sheets all season. Crusaders also slipped up in unlikely circumstances, allowing out-of-form Newry City to come away with a point from Seaview.

Only Cliftonville stuck to the script, as they made relatively light work of Dungannon Swifts.

The shocks weren’t limited to the Premiership — although the Championship is unpredictable at the best of times.

Portadown suffered their sixth League defeat of the season, losing to Dundela, while 10-man Institute needed two late goals to steal a point at Dergview. Even little Rathfriland Rangers got in on the act in the Premier Intermediate League, winning 3-0 at Limavady.

Here’s seven things we learned from a weird and wonderful weekend of Irish League football.

MAGIC McGINN

I’m not sure who that young lad on the wing for the Glens was on Friday night, but Michael O’Neill should take a look at him.

Joking aside, Niall McGinn was utterly sensational in Glentoran’s 4-0 win over Linfield at The Oval. He was a constant thorn in the side of David Healy’s men, producing world class crosses and displaying his sublime passing range.

It would be wonderful if McGinn could produce that sort of display on a consistent basis. Every League needs a handful of star players who can light up games and